by Betsy Burton

I cannot tell how many times my mother chased me down to put on sunscreen. Or how often my family reminds me to wear a hat—even when I know that there are big risks associated with sun exposure, having lost a good friend to melanoma.

The challenge is balancing my active life with being careful and healthy. I will admit, I do spend a lot of time outside doing gardening, working, and hiking.

I found a great gift that can help us all stay healthier and enjoy our activities—the SunFriend wearable UV monitor.

SunFriend Is Wearable

There are a number of UV monitors on the market, however, SunFriend is one of the few that is worn just like a wristwatch. Some of the other options clip onto clothing, etc., which wearers report makes them breakable or easily lost.

Customers report that they have been wearing theirs for years. One customer reported that the battery lasted four years. And customers have been known to clip their SunFriend to a hat, bike, or umbrella.

Low Tech Has Benefits

In a world where everything seems connected and data is being gathered about you in every app, the SunFriend is different. It’s not Bluetooth connected, which means there isn’t an app that lets monitors you from your mobile device, etc. The SunFriend is you monitoring your own sun exposure.

A big benefit of the SunFriend being low tech is that it doesn't have a lot of complex electronics, so it is waterproof up to 3 meters. This means it can be safely and continuously worn at the beach/pool or during sports.

Among smart wearable devices the SunFriend is a good choice that can help avoid the warning signs of melanoma.

Customizable to Your Skin Type

The SunFriend is customizable for an individual’s own skin type. Customers report that it takes a bit for them to find the right setting for their skin type. However, once this is determined the SunFriend will flash when the wearer is reaching their max sun exposure.

One customer reported that they were disappointed when the device did not notify them with a beep, etc. However, others reported that they liked that they were not getting an audible sound.

Bottom Line

We are all trying to stay a little bit healthier and safer these days; balancing staying fit and safe.

For $23-45 the SunFriend is a great additional tool in the fight against melanoma. If you have an active outdoorsy friend or a loved one with sensitive skin, this seems like a really valuable holiday gift.